Below you’ll find a number of prayers that have been compiled from the treasury of Christian history. These prayers are especially helpful as a way to end your day or right before you go to sleep.
O eternal God and Ruler of all creation, You have allowed me to reach this hour. Forgive the sins I committed today by word, deed, or in thought. Purify me, O Lord, from every spiritual and physical stain. Grant that I may rise from this sleep to glorify You by my deeds throughout my entire lifetime, and that I may be victorious over every spiritual and physical enemy. Deliver me, O Lord, from all vain thoughts and evil desires, for yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and ever, and forever. Amen.
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. And may the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen.
A Prayer of Ambrose of Milan:
“Creator of earth and sky, you rule the heavens. You clothe the day with robes of light, and bless us at night with gracious sleep.
Your rest gives us comfort in our weariness, and refreshes us to work again in the morning. You soothe our harried minds, and you take away our heavy loads of sorrow.
The day passes. We thank you for your gift. We lift our prayers, vows, and songs to you each night. We need your shield and protection.
Shadows may close around us, but faith knows no darkness. The night borrows from the brightness of its clear spotlight.
We pray to you, Father, Son, and Spirit – three in one, blessed Trinity. Guard your sheep by day and night.
Amen.
Evening Prayer of Light
O great and most high God, You alone are immortal and You dwell in a light which is unapproachable. You created all things in Your wisdom, dividing light from darkness, establishing the sun to govern the day and the moon and stars to rule the night.
You have deemed us, poor sinners, worthy to reach this hour, to come into Your presence with our thanks, and to offer You our evening praise. O Lord, who loves man-kind, let our prayers ascend to You as incense, and accept them as a sweet fragrance.
Grant that this evening and the coming night may be spent in peace; clothe us with the armor of light; save us from the fears of the night and from things that lurk in darkness.
Grant that the sleep you have given us to refresh us from our fatigue may be free from every evil. Yes, O Lord and Giver of all good things, may we reflect upon our beds in silence, and remember Your name throughout the night; and enlightened by the practice of Your commandments, may we rise in gladness of soul to praise Your goodness, offering prayers and supplications for our sins and those of Your people.
Look down upon us with Mercy. For You are a gracious Lord Who loves mankind, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.